6. Debugging and Troubleshooting

Debugging is an essential part of app development. It helps you identify and resolve issues that may arise during customization or runtime. This section will guide you through common problems, debugging tools, and steps to ensure your app runs smoothly on mobile devices.

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6.1 Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues you might encounter while customizing or running the app, along with their solutions:

6.1.1 Missing Dependencies

• Symptoms: Errors like "Undefined class" or "Missing plugin."
• Solution: Run the following command to fetch dependencies:

  flutter pub get

6.1.2 Localization Errors

• Symptoms: Missing translations or fallback to the default language.
• Solution: Ensure all .i18n.json files have consistent keys and run:

  dart run slang

6.1.3 API Connection Issues

• Symptoms: The app fails to fetch data from the backend.
• Solution: Verify the baseUrl in _app_config.dart and check network permissions.

6.1.4 Package Name Conflicts

• Symptoms: Build errors related to duplicate package names.
• Solution: Ensure the package_name in customization.yaml is unique.

6.1.5 Image/Asset Loading Failures

• Symptoms: Broken images or missing assets.
• Solution: Verify asset paths in pubspec.yaml and ensure files exist in the correct directories.

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6.2 Debugging Tools

Flutter provides built-in tools to help you debug your app effectively. Here are some of the most useful ones:

6.2.1 Logging and Breakpoints

• Use print() or debugPrint() statements to log messages in the console.
• Set breakpoints in your IDE (Android Studio or VS Code) to pause execution and inspect variables.

6.2.2 Hot Reload and Hot Restart

• Hot Reload: Quickly apply changes to the app without restarting it. Use this for UI updates or minor code changes.
• Hot Restart: Restart the app while preserving its state. Use this for more significant changes.

6.2.3 Flutter Inspector

• The Flutter Inspector (available in Android Studio and VS Code) allows you to inspect the widget tree, view layouts, and debug UI issues.

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6.3 Running the App on Mobile Devices

To test your app on mobile devices, follow these steps:

6.3.1 Testing on Emulators

• Open Android Studio and launch an emulator:

  flutter emulators --launch <emulator_id>

• Run the app:

  flutter run

6.3.2 Testing on Physical Devices

• Enable USB Debugging on your Android device:
  • Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
  • If Developer Options is not visible, enable it by tapping Build Number 7 times in Settings > About Phone.
• Connect your device via USB and run:

  flutter devices
  flutter run

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6.4 Preparing for Release

Before releasing your app, ensure it is thoroughly tested and optimized.

6.4.1 Testing in Release Mode

• Run the app in release mode to identify potential issues:

  flutter run --release

6.4.2 Identifying Performance Bottlenecks

• Use the Flutter Inspector to analyze performance metrics.
• Optimize widgets, animations, and network calls for better performance.

6.4.3 Final Checklist Before Release

• Verify all customizations are applied.
• Ensure no critical errors or warnings appear when running flutter doctor.
• Test the app on multiple devices and screen sizes.

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6.5 Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during development, follow these tips:

• Always check the terminal for error messages.
• Use flutter clean to clear cached files if issues persist.
• Consult the official Flutter documentation or community forums for advanced problems.

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6.6 Conclusion

Debugging and troubleshooting are crucial steps in ensuring your app functions as expected. By addressing common issues, using debugging tools effectively, and testing on various devices, you can create a polished and reliable app. If you encounter any unresolved issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Support Team for assistance.